Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a process including providing an electrically conductive fuel cell component having a first face, and depositing a graphitic/conductive carbon film on the first face of the electrically conductive fuel cell component comprising sputtering a graphite target using a closed field unbalanced magnetron field.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may include a method comprising: depositing a solution comprising an organometallic compound on a substrate, drying the solution to provide a film of the organometallic compound and at least partially oxidizing an organic component of the organometallic compound to provide nanoparticles including metal oxides on the substrate which would have multiuse industrial applications.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fluid distribution element for use in a fuel cell having a conductive metal substrate and a layer of conductive non-metallic porous media. The conductive non-metallic porous media has an electrically conductive material deposited along a surface in one or more metallized regions and having an average thickness equal to about the diameter of one atom of the material. The metallized regions improve electrical conductance at contact regions between the metal substrate and the fluid distribution media.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a first fuel cell assembly and a last fuel cell assembly. The first fuel cell assembly includes a first end plate assembly, which has a first end plate cooling channel adapted to receive a coolant. The last fuel cell assembly includes a last end plate assembly that has a last end plate cooling channel. A first electrical potential exists between the first end plate and the last end plate. The fuel cell stack also includes a connecting cooling channel is in fluid communication with the first end plate cooling channel and the last end plate cooling channel. A coolant is contained within the connecting coolant channel, the first end plate cooling channel, and a last end plate cooling channel. The fuel cell stack further includes a coolant electrode positioned in the coolant channel, which contacts the coolant.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fluid distribution element for use in a fuel cell having a layer of a conductive non-metallic fiberless microporous media. In certain embodiments, an electrically conductive metal is deposited along a surface of the element to form one or more metallized regions. The metallized regions are arranged to contact a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in a fuel cell assembly, and thus improve electrical conductance at contact regions between the MEA and the layer of media. Methods of making such a fluid distribution element and operating fuel cell assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell electroconductive element, or bipolar plate, that includes a substrate with a cationic or anionic exchange resin coating deposited thereon, and a method for making the same. The bipolar plate has a fluid flow field formed therein. The ion-exchange polymer is preferably deposited on a region of the surface of the substrate by a process of dip coating or spraying. The resin coating is substantially hydrophobic in nature when dry and substantially hydrophilic when wet.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may include a method comprising: depositing a solution comprising an organometallic compound on a substrate, drying the solution to provide a film of the organometallic compound and at least partially oxidizing an organic component of the organometallic compound to provide nanoparticles including metal oxides on the substrate which would have multiuse industrial applications.

Abstract: An enhanced stability and inexpensive bipolar plate for a fuel cell is disclosed. The enhanced stability bipolar plate includes a bipolar plate substrate and a corrosion-resistant coating thermally sprayed on the bipolar plate substrate. A method for enhancing corrosion resistance of a bipolar plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid bipolar plate assembly comprises a metallic anode plate, a polymeric composite cathode plate, and a metal layer positioned between the metallic anode plate and the composite cathode plate. The metallic anode and composite cathode plates can further comprise an adhesive sealant applied around the outer perimeter to prevent leaking of coolant. The assembly can be incorporated into a device comprising a fuel cell. Further, the device can define structure defining a vehicle powered by the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a first valve metal flow field plate. The first valve metal flow field plate has a first cooling channel adapted to receive an aqueous coolant and to contact the aqueous coolant at a position that inhibits the formation of shunt currents when the fuel cell is incorporated in a fuel cell stack. A field assembly includes a first metal flow field plate having a first cooling channel adapted to receive an aqueous coolant is also provided. A valve metal plate is disposed over the first metal flow field plate in the flow field assembly. Fuel cell stacks using the valve metal-containing flow field plates are also provided.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a fuel cell component having comprising a carbon chain, and a material grafted to the coating/surface, wherein the material includes ionic or polar groups. One embodiment includes composite plates which include carbon that can be activated and treated to make their surface hydrophilic.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a method of selectively electroplating an electrically conductive coating on selected portions of lands of a bipolar plate leaving portions of the lands uncoated by the electrically conductive coating. Thus, allowing for reducing cost of bipolar plates for PEM fuel cells considerably.

Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a non-crystalline carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The non-crystalline carbon layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.

Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a graphene-containing layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The graphene-containing layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.

Abstract: An electrically conductive separator element and assembly for a fuel cell which comprises an electrically conductive substrate having a monoatomic layer coating overlying the substrate. The monatomic layer coating may comprise an electrically conductive material, for example, a noble metal, desirably Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Os and preferably Au. Methods of making such separator elements and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed includes a product comprising a fuel cell bipolar plate comprising a substrate comprising a first face, a reactant gas flow field defined in the first face, and a layer over at least a portion of the first face, wherein the layer comprises a zeolite.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a corrosion-resistant and inexpensive bipolar plate for a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes providing a bipolar plate substrate and coating a corrosion-resistant coating on the bipolar plate substrate using a kinetic spray process.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fluid distribution element for a fuel cell which comprises an electrically conductive substrate, a flow field for distributing fluid along a surface of the substrate, and an electrically conductive coating on the surface which comprises a noble metal, desirably Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Os, and preferably Au.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a method including providing a bipolar plate for a fuel cell having a reactant gas flow field defined therein by a plurality of lands and at least one channel, and depositing a low contact resistant material selectively over portions of the lands leaving portions of the lands uncovered by the low contact resistant material.

Abstract: A method for coating a fuel cell component is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a fuel cell component, and forming a coating on a surface of the fuel cell component with a plasma jet. The step of forming the coating may include applying a coating precursor to a surface of the fuel cell component and then reacting the coating precursor with the plasma jet to form the coating. The step of forming the coating may also include growing the coating on the surface of the fuel cell component by delivering the plasma jet containing the coating precursor.